Religious leaders appeal to law enforcement, council for guidance

MEDINA — Local religious leaders are wrestling with a difficult issue: When should priests and ministers alert laws enforcement about a distraught person who might pose a threat to the community?

Representatives from three local churches — St. Francis Xavier, St. Matthew Lutheran Church and Second Baptist — met Tuesday with city and safety officials to discuss preparedness in the event of a mass shooting, such as in Newtown, Conn., and at Chardon High School.

Medina City Council's Health and Safety committee met Tuesday with local church leaders to talk about preparedness in the event of a mass shooting. From left, council members Mark Kolesar, Ward 3; Paul Rose, at-large; and President John Coyne. (GAZETTE PHOTO BY KIERA MANION-FISCHER)

Lane, who shocked the courtroom during sentencing by wearing a T-shirt with the word “killer” written across the front and insulting the families of his victims with obscene gestures and profanity, was not a student at Chardon. He attended Lake Academy, in Willoughby, an alternative school for youngsters with drug and mental health problems.

Some church officials said they are prepared to immediately call 9-1-1 in the event of ordinary emergencies, such as illness and accidents.